McCleary Peak via Florida Canyon, AZ

I'm adding this as a separate destination hike involving the Florida Canyon trail because this trail, in my opinion, is the best one in Tucson and because the trip to McCleary peak provides an alternative to the ever-crowded (but nonetheless excellent) Mt. Wrightson. Bag this infrequently visitied summit and I promise you will not see a soul.


I would suggest you refer to the summary of the Florida Canyon trail provided by whereeveriroam in his description of Mt. Wrightson via Florida Canyon trail to the Florida Saddle. His description is excellent and I have nothing to add.

From the wonderful Florida Saddle, hang a right on the Crest Trail towards the Armour Spring Trail. This trail continues along through the wonderful pine forests of the upper reaches of the Santa Ritas. After about 0.3 miles you come to a signed intersection pointing towards the Armour Spring Trail. Take this spur trail for roughly 0.4 miles. Along the way the forest breaks periodically to allow you amazing views down the canyon and far out and over Tucson. This is the first real glimpse of just how far you've climbed...wow. About 0.2 miles into this trail there is an unsigned split in the trail - stay to your left here. After a total of about 0.4 miles on the Armour Spring Trail you come to an umarked saddle and the trail swings away to your left. There is a rocky ridgeline to your right and up above lies McCleary peak. Look for a fairly large cairn here a few feet off the trail, adjacent to a large fallen tree. This area has clearly served as a campsite in the past.

Anyway, the cairn here marks the takeoff of the informal rough trail that scratches it's way to McCleary Peak. The trail is not a formal one, but nonetheless it is not that hard to follow. Keep an eye out for cairns and keep on climbing. You can basically climb up to any summit you want or follow the trail all the way out. The views are really the same... absolutely incredible. Enjoy this little known peak, my favorite local hike.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Note
This is a difficult hike. Arrive fit and prepared or this could get ugly.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2005-05-19 fricknaley